Daily
Ocala
Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, Ocala. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Give4Marion fund drive raised more than $2.3 million today—helping over 100 nonprofits across North Central Florida continue their work, and organizers say the funds will support vital community services. WCJB
- ➤ Anne MacKay, a cherished local advocate who founded the Florida Wildflower Foundation and wrote for Florida Monthly, died Sept. 7 at her family home on Lake Weir—her life was marked by her love for nature and service to her community. A celebration of her life will begin at 10 a.m. Oct. 18 at Fort King Presbyterian Church where family and friends will honor her legacy. Ocala Gazette
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Social Security recipients may see a 2.8% cost-of-living increase in 2026, which adds about $52 to monthly checks while Medicare costs rise—Part B premiums could jump by $21.50 and Part D drug plans may cost up to $50 more per month. These changes may not keep pace with inflation and could leave beneficiaries with tighter budgets. Ocala StarBanner
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Florida’s open carry law is set to take effect on Sept. 25 after a three-judge panel ruled the ban unconstitutional, and state officials told all sheriffs not to arrest anyone openly carrying a firearm—other gun rules will remain in force. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Mayor Ben Marciano and Councilman Jay Musleh won reelection on Tuesday night in an Ocala City Council race with an 11.6% voter turnout — Mayor Marciano earned 3,204 votes and Musleh won a three-way contest with 1,992 votes — as reported by the Marion County Supervisor of Elections. Ocala-News
- ➤ At a recent Marion County budget meeting, Commission Chair Kathy Bryant proposed using $7.5 million in ARPA interest to refund taxpayers—calling it taxpayer dollars—and county officials said they will study the fiscal and logistical challenges before a follow-up discussion on Monday, Sept 22. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Ocala’s adopted budget grew 29% from $891.3 million in 2021/22 to a tentative $1.15 billion in 2025/26 as property taxes increased 52% and spending on public safety and utilities rose due to higher property values—reflecting rising city revenues. Ocala Gazette
- ➤ Marion County resident Bobbie Jo Dameron started a petition on August 26 to oppose H.R. 4656 that would have the federal government study creating a Florida Springs National Park — over 8,000 residents signed to protect the Ocala National Forest and nearby conservation lands from potential tourism and infrastructure strain. Ocala-News
- ➤ Marion County moved legal notices from a local newspaper to its website on Feb. 18 at the McPherson Governmental Complex in Ocala to save money — a change raising questions about how residents will access mailed copies if needed. Ocala Gazette
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved plans for Juniper Loop, a 151-home development just north of Legacy Elementary School & the board discussed density, traffic and parking issues in a heated meeting with the developer's representative. The project is set on 39.36 acres with 40-foot lots and one- and two-story homes planned within the Urban Growth Boundary. Ocala Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Marion County high school football predictions for week 5 forecast that West Port will get its first win, North Marion will win in a shootout, and Trinity Catholic will pull an upset win. The forecast comes as teams face obstacles and look to shift the odds in Friday night games—details set to influence the season's progress. Ocala StarBanner
- ➤ Allen Pettigrew Jr. offered his week 5 predictions for Marion County high school football—he named top teams as key contenders. His analysis will guide local fans on what to expect in the upcoming matchups—providing insight as the games approach. Ocala StarBanner
-
2025 Ocala Comic Con Weekend Pass
8:00 PM – 10:29 AM — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Kids 10 and under are FREE — Experience Florida's largest comic convention packed with comic books, video games, and cosplay.
-
Marion Oaks Hispanic Heritage Celebration
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Marion Oaks Community Center — Free entry — Celebrate Hispanic heritage with art activities for kids and live entertainment.
-
2025 Adult Spelling Bee
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Marion Theatre — Participant: $25, General Admission: FREE — Compete to be Ocala’s Smartest Speller and support local causes.
-
The Grass Roots Concert
5-8:30 p.m. — Circle Square Cultural Center — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a lively performance with classic hits from the renowned Rock and Roll era.
-
Absolute Queen - A Tribute to Queen
7:30-9 p.m. — Reilly Arts Center — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying atmosphere of a live Queen concert with mind-blowing costume changes and all the classic hits.
-
2025 Grand National Show
6 AM - 11 AM — World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Check for pricing — Experience the thrill of equestrian excellence at the Grand National Show.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Have strong opinions, weakly held.
~ Marc Andreessen
About Daily Ocala
Welcome to the Daily Ocala, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Ocala, Florida community. If you like the Daily Ocala, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Ocala.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Ocala and across Florida. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Ocala
A free Ocala community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyocala.com/sitemap